Broad wood fern is a vigorous deciduous to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). It is native to Europe and parts of central Asia. The species epithet is Latin for “dilated” and refers to the broad bases of the pinnules (although they are not noticeably broader than those of other Drypteris species). Grow this fern in consistently moist rich soils in dappled to deep shade and do not allow it to dry out. It grows in clay or loamy, acidic, rich soil with good drainage. The attractive finely-cut fronds grow upright and outward from the crown. It generally grows about 2 to 4 feet tall with a similar spread. The leaves of the broad wood fern turn golden yellow in the Fall, extending this fern’s season of interest. Use in a woodland or naturalized setting, as a foundation plant or in a shade garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Rust, leaf gall and fungal spots can occur. VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington , Director of JC Raulston Arboretum . More information on Dryopteris .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 6 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Broadly triangular fronds; 2-3 times divided; margins often turn under; basal pinnae are much longer on the basiscopic side; blade is deep, rich green; thin-textured. Frond midribs and stalks are covered with dark brown scales.